Apple’s decision to allow users the option to set Spotify as their default music app on iOS 14 is excellent news for those who love streaming services. More than 300 million active users of this popular platform will be delighted, and it will give them more reason (if there was ever any doubt) that Apple is listening closely when customers voice opinions about what could improve both Apple products AND third-party apps alike!
Note: While we’re focusing on Spotify for this article, the same steps can be used to set any music app, including YouTube Music, Pandora, Tidal, and others, like the default music player on iPhone.
Change default music app on iPhone and iPad with iOS 14.5 or later
Before trying the quick steps, remember a few important things.
Only works when using Siri
In typical Apple fashion, the tech giant has kept the option for changing their default music app on iOS 14.5 slightly under wraps; however, there is no toggle within the Settings menu to set a preferred choice so how does this work?
Well, it’s only when you invoke Siri and ask to play a song that the ability to toggle your favorite music app appears. After giving this virtual assistant permission- which automatically chooses what playing from then on – all we have left hands for is just enjoy streaming!
Do you still need to add “Spotify” to the command?
Siri can already play music from Spotify using the command, “Hey Siri -play my workout playlist.” But you have to add in some extra words like “Spotify”. For example, if I wanted Justin Bieber’s songs on that particular platform of streaming service then I had to say something along those lines; “Hey Siri , play Justin Beiber song on Spotify”.
It will be worth noting though how inconveniently long this process takes when executing such requests or actions because there were times where I had requested specific tracks and could barely hear myself think over all these voices asking what they should listen to before being able to properly start my preferred music player.
But don’t worry, goodbye old ways. Now you can use Spotify’s new feature to skip music without having to type in any app or mention its name at the end of a command!
Make Spotify the default iPad / iPhone with iOS 14.5 or later
- To get started, invoke Siri on your iPhone by pressing the side/home / on/off button on your iPhone or iPad or by using the “Hey Siri” command.
- Now ask the personal assistant to play a song, album, or artist.
- If you are using multiple music apps, Siri will present you with a list of all music apps and prompt you to select your preferred app.
- Siri will then ask for your permission to access your data. “I will need access to your Spotify data for this. Alright? ” Tap yes to proceed.
That’s it! Siri will start playing the song. From now on, it will always stream music using your favorite music app.
Set default music app on iPhone and iPad
So, this is how you can set Spotify as your default music app on iOS and iPadOS. As always with the beta version, this feature doesn’t always work as expected. However, once Apple officially releases iOS 15, I expect it to become stable. Also, I would like Apple to add a separate toggle/option on the same line as the browser/email application for better control.
Notably, iOS 14.5 also allows you to unlock your iPhone using Apple Watch. If you haven’t tried it yet, check out our quick guide. Anyway, what is your opinion about this new feature? Be sure to share your feedback in the comments below.
Photo by Cezar Sampaio on Unsplash
